Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid prediction 22.03.2026 | LaLiga

Real Madrid have been one of the league’s most consistent sides this season, winning 20 of their 27 matches, although their recent league performances have raised a few eyebrows as they continue to chase Barcelona for the La Liga title. Álvaro Arbeloa’s men had crumbled to two consecutive defeats in Rounds 25 and 26, losing to Osasuna and Getafe, but eventually bounced back with back-to-back wins over Celta and Elche.

However, a major turning point in Real’s form could be their elimination of Manchester City from the UEFA Champions League knockout stages - the 15-time winners secured a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate victory over the two legs.

Creatively, the team continues to rely on a dynamic midfield and forward line, with players like Vinícius Júnior and Federico Valverde contributing consistently in both goals and assists. However, injuries could play a decisive role. Éder Militão is still recovering from a hamstring issue and remains a doubt, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is also uncertain after picking up a minor groin injury ahead of this fixture. The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are also not 100 percent fit and are unlikely to feature on Sunday.

Atlético Madrid arrive in strong overall league form, currently on a four-game winning run over the past couple of weeks. Diego Simeone’s men recorded high-scoring victories over Espanyol and Real Sociedad, alongside mature, defensively solid performances against Getafe and Real Oviedo, clearly showcasing their ability to be both adventurous in attack and resolute at the back.

The only minor setback came in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Tottenham, which they lost 3-2 after securing a scintillating 5-2 win in the first leg in Madrid.

In terms of availability, Atlético also face concerns. Clément Lenglet and Nicolás González are ruled out, while Pablo Barrios remains a doubt. Additionally, recent reports indicate goalkeeper Jan Oblak has been dealing with a muscle issue, which could impact selection decisions.